Most Americans, including the U.S. Congress, will be back to work Tuesday now that the summer season is over.
But D.C. Council members, most of whom earn $115,000 a year, will still be enjoying their annual summer escape. The District’s legislative body remains on its two-month recess, which started July 15 and doesn’t end until Sept. 15.
Council members, however, say “recess” is an inaccurate description of their official time off.
“I’m at work now,” At-large Council Member Kwame Brown said Friday. “I’ve continued to work. I’ve worked all but four days of this recess, so you’re probably asking the wrong council member.”
Even if the council were to hold meetings in July and August, citizens would likely protest because they’re on vacation and unable to participate in the process, At-large Council Member Phil Mendelson said. The long recess, he said, is “appropriate.”
Soon after the council broke for the summer, Ward 1 Council Member Jim Graham left for El Salvador as an invited guest of San Salvador’s mayor. Among his activities, according to the council member’s blog: He’s attended about a dozen meetings with local officials “discussing substantive issues of mutual concern,” including gangs and street vendors. Graham is expected to return Friday.
Most council members say they’ve been hard at work for their constituents since mid-July — their staffs too. Denise Reed, spokeswoman for Council Chairman Vincent Gray, said there’s been no talk of shortening the recess.
“I can assure you, the chairman’s been working practically 24-7,” Reed said.
Ward 3 Council Member Mary Cheh said the break “gives you a chance to do the preparatory work to get ready for the next round.” Ward 6 Council Member Tommy Wells said he’s used the break “to regroup” not “as an opportunity for a two-month vacation.”
